Revolving footboard for running and structure incorporating such footboard

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for carrying out a motor activity for playing or sporting purposes, comprising a cylindrical structure ( 1 ) housing therein a footboard ( 2 ), which is characterized in that said footboard ( 2 ) is of cylindrical shape and is revolvingly mounted internally to said structure ( 1 ), the arrangement being such that a user in order to carry out the motor activity places him/herself on said footboard ( 2 ) and internally to said cylindrical structure ( 1 ).

The present invention refers to a revolving footboard for running forplaying or sporting purposes, and to a structure incorporating such afootboard.

To date, structures incorporating sliding footboards that enable aperson to run for sport or play purposes are already known. Suchstructures typically comprise a movable footboard, consisting of asliding belt which is mounted in a horizontal condition on a structure.The structure in turn can be swingably or tiltably mounted on a secondground-supporting structure.

Thus, the tilt of the sliding belt with respect to the floor may bechanged, thereby changing the type of training or the type of running.

Object of the present invention is to provide a cylindrical footboardwhich is revolvingly mounted on a cylindrical structure and in mannersuch as to provide a more dynamic and more stimulating sensation to theuser.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatuscomprising the above-mentioned cylindrical footboard and providing theoption of interacting with the user to provide information for playingor sporting purposes, such as time available to carry out the exercise,history of maximum limits reached by the various users, values of theexercise carried out by the user, such as numbers of revolutions done,speed, etc.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatuscomprising a cylindrical revolving footboard therein, allowing to carryout a motor activity for playing or sporting purposes, and wherein thereis provided a scheme for carrying out the exercise done withuser-apparatus interaction.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatuscomprising a cylindrical revolving footboard therein, allowing to carryout a motor activity for playing or sporting purposes and wherein thereis provided a completely electronic and automated management of theapparatus.

Therefore, object of the present invention is an apparatus comprising acylindrical revolving footboard therein for carrying out a motoractivity for playing or sporting purposes, substantially as described inthe appended claims.

Hereinafter, a detailed description will be provided of two preferredembodiments of the apparatus comprising the cylindrical revolvingfootboard according to the present invention, given by way of exampleand not for limitative purposes. Reference will be made to the annexeddrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates perspectively from one side a first embodiment of theapparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates perspectively from another side the apparatus of FIG.1;

FIG. 3 illustrates schematically, in a partial longitudinal section andin elevation from one side, the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates schematically and in elevation from one side a secondembodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates the power supply diagram of the apparatus of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates the management and control diagram of the engine ofthe present invention;

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate the power supply and management diagram of theinformation displays of the apparatus of the present invention; and

FIG. 9 illustrates the wiring diagram of the electronic board formanaging the entire apparatus.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a first embodiment of the apparatus ofthe present invention is illustrated therein.

The apparatus comprises a cylindrical structure 1 that houses therein afootboard 2, it also revolving and cylindrical. The footboard 2 isslidably mounted onto guide rails 3 and related bearings 4 (all betterillustrated hereinafter).

Externally to the cylindrical structure 1 there are provided, at thebottom portion thereof, two carters 5 and 6, each one containingactuation members as better illustrated hereinafter.

Moreover, at the internal and central region of the structure 1 astationary handle 10 is provided in order to give to the user a neededsupport, comprising means for detecting the presence of a user's hands.

As it will be better understood hereinafter, the presence detectingmeans is needed to switch the apparatus state from inactive (OFF) toactive (ON).

On the other hand, at a side portion of the cylindrical structure 1 itis further provided a display unit 7, column-shaped and comprising oneor more displays 70, a coin and/or token acceptor, a ticket dispenser, adispenser of medals or the like, warning buzzers, etc.

Furthermore, the structure comprises safety side barriers 11 forproviding a shielding to the user.

The entire structure rests on a support plane 8 which has sensorsdetecting a user's presence on the plane, and whose detection allows toenable or disable the various functions of the apparatus.

Furthermore, the structure 1 has some ancillary components, such asNewton discs 50 and 60, revolving and connected with a transmission ofthe motion of the revolving footboard 2 and in a manner such as tosynchronically revolve with the latter. Moreover, the entire structure 1externally has a set of light-emitting and decorative elements 12 inorder to make the same more stimulating for the user.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the internal arrangement of some actuators instructure 1 is illustrated in a longitudinal and partial sectiontherein.

More precisely, the structure 1 internally comprises a pair of guiderails 3 onto which the cylindrical footboard 2 slides. For thesupporting of the footboard 2 a set of bearings 4 is provided, arrangedcircumferentially to the footboard 2 in a manner such as to carry outthe supporting and the centering thereof. Conveniently, the bearings 4may be coated with vulcanized rubber or the like in order to guarantee aperfect rolling of the footboard 2.

Furthermore, some safety systems are provided on the structure 1. Afirst safety system comprises a non-return system 40 in order toguarantee the user that no displacement or revolution of the footboard 2occur in a direction opposite to that given by the user him/herself.

Moreover, a gradually operating actuator 41 is provided, connected witha stay rod 42 to one or more shoe brakes 43 to brake the footboardduring its non-use, or safely.

Specifically referring now to FIG. 4, in it is sectionally illustrated asecond embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, in which asafety gate 13 is provided. The safety gate 13 is mounted at the regionof access to the footboard 2, with the aim of safeguarding the user fromany falls or improper use of the apparatus (e.g., getting out therefromduring a revolving of the footboard 2).

As it will be better illustrated hereinafter, the safety gate can bearmed/disarmed by the unit managing the entire apparatus and upon user'sconsent.

Further ancillary components may be provided, such as, e.g., a fanpositioned inside the structure 1 and for wind simulation during thecarrying out of the exercise.

Referring now to the next figures, the various circuit and logic wiringdiagrams of the various units and drivers of the apparatus of thepresent invention are illustrated therein.

More precisely, FIG. 5 illustrates the external power-supply system ofthe apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates the logic of the power-supplying and the managementof the motors and drivers of the apparatus, such as the brake driver,the Newton disc driver, the fan driver.

FIG. 7 illustrates the wiring diagram of the displays arranged on thecolumn 7 and, more precisely, of a time display 70, a reached scoredisplay 71, and a record display 72.

FIG. 8 refers to the management and circuit board of the above-mentioneddisplays 70, 71 and 72.

FIG. 9 illustrates the logic and circuit wiring diagram of themanagement and control board of the apparatus of the present invention.

Hereinafter, a description will be given of the operation of theapparatus of the present invention.

For activity, it is envisaged that a user gets into the structure 1 and,holding onto the safety handle 10, interacts with the footboard 2,moving (rotating) the latter at will by walking more or less quickly.

The revolution speed of the footboard 2 is recorded by the electronicboard, which stores into memory the absolute maximum number ofrevolutions previously reached. Revolutions value is displayed on thedisplays 70 on column 7.

In case a number of performed revolutions higher than the previousnumber of revolutions is reached, a prize will be dispensed and the newrecord will be recorded. Moreover, on column 7 an additional ticketdispenser is provided, dispensing coupons convertible into prizes orgadgets.

For use dynamics, it is envisaged that first the user inserts a token orcoin into the acceptor (coin box) in column 7.

Then, the user may access the inside of structure 1 by opening the gate13 disarmed by the credit acceptor.

When inside the structure 1, and once placed on the footboard 2, theuser keeps him/herself steady by holding onto the safety handle 10 orthe gate sidebars. Both are fitted with a rubber protection providedwith sensors sensitive to pressure from the user's hand. Then, byholding tight onto the handle/handles (sidebars), the graduallyoperating shoe braking system of the footboard 2 is released.

Then, the user holding onto the sidebars pushes hard on the legs,actuating the footboard 2 that starts revolving with a speedproportional to the push received.

On the external column 7 the user avails him/herself of three displays70,71,72 on which there can be read the progressive number ofrevolutions carried out, the absolute maximum number of revolutionsreached (record) stored into memory, and the remaining playing time.

Moreover, on the external column a fan is installed, facing toward theuser to simulate a wind effect.

At the end of the exercise, the apparatus can dispense a prize in theform of a medal, an evidence of the performance. Moreover, winningcertificates can also be dispensed, convertible into prizes and referredto as “tickets”.

It should be specified that, at the end of the operation time period,there comes into play the shoe brake system 41 that, gradually, slowsdown the footboard 2 until stopping it, enabling the user to get off thestructure 1 and withdraw the won souvenir prize or tickets.

Moreover, the structure may have some additional functions or features.

E.g., the brake system 41 may be used in order to change the drag torevolution during use, to make the performance more engaging.

On the other hand, the structure is contrived in the absence ofapparatus/machines for transmitting motion to the footboard 2; thereforemotion is actuated exclusively by human power.

Moreover, the arrangement of the vulcanized bearings 40 allows to holdin position (guide) the footboard 2 with respect to the external body ofthe structure 1. This arrangement allows for a sliding that is fluid andlight with respect to other systems, with a reduction of rollingfriction.

1. An apparatus for carrying out a motor activity for playing orsporting purposes, comprising a cylindrical structure (1) housingtherein a footboard (2), characterized in that said footboard (2) is ofcylindrical shape and revolvingly mounted internally to said structure(1), the arrangement being such that a user in order to carry out themotor activity places him/herself on said footboard (2) and internallyto said cylindrical structure (1).
 2. The apparatus for carrying out amotor activity for playing or sporting purposes according to thepreceding claim, wherein said footboard (2) is slidably mounted on guidemeans (3) and sliding means (4).
 3. The apparatus for carrying out amotor activity for playing or sporting purposes according to thepreceding claim, wherein said guide means comprises guide rails (3), andsaid sliding means comprises bearings (4).
 4. The apparatus for carryingout a motor activity for playing or sporting purposes according to anyone of the preceding claims, further comprising means (10) for detectinga user's presence in said structure (1).
 5. The apparatus for carryingout a motor activity for playing or sporting purposes according to thepreceding claim, wherein said presence detecting means comprises ahandle or fixed bars (10) wherein there are arranged one or morepressure sensors apt to detect a pressure exerted by user's hands. 6.The apparatus for carrying out a motor activity for playing or sportingpurposes according to claim 4 or 5, wherein said means for detecting auser's presence switch the apparatus state from inactive (OFF) to active(ON), and vice versa.
 7. The apparatus for carrying out a motor activityfor playing or sporting purposes according to any one of the precedingclaims, further comprising a display unit (7) which comprises one ormore displays (70,71,72), a coin and/or token acceptor, a ticketdispenser, a dispenser of medals or the like, and warning buzzers. 8.The apparatus for carrying out a motor activity for playing or sportingpurposes according to any one of the preceding claims, furthercomprising safety side barriers (11,13) for providing a shielding to theuser.
 9. The apparatus for carrying out a motor activity for playing orsporting purposes according to any one of the preceding claims, whereinsaid structure 1 rests on a support plane (8) which has sensors fordetecting a user's presence.
 10. The apparatus for carrying out a motoractivity for playing or sporting purposes according to any one of thepreceding claims, further comprising a first non-return safety system(40) apt to prevent displacements or revolutions of the footboard (2) ina direction opposite to that given by the user.
 11. The apparatus forcarrying out a motor activity for playing or sporting purposes accordingto any one of the preceding claims, further comprising braking means(41,42,43).
 12. The apparatus for carrying out a motor activity forplaying or sporting purposes according to the preceding claim, whereinsaid braking means comprises a gradually operating actuator (41)connected with a stay rod (42) to one or more shoe brakes (43) to brakethe footboard (2) during its non-use, or safely.
 13. The apparatus forcarrying out a motor activity for playing or sporting purposes accordingto any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a fan positionedinside or near the structure 1.